In the wake of the news that Clippers forward Blake Griffin broke his hand punching a Clippers assistant equipment manager, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich went along with the notion that the Spurs’ traditional lack of drama is “boring.” He also thought it might be time to change that. …

With Warriors coach Steve Kerr back coaching for just two games, the NBA named Spurs coach Gregg Popovich coach of the Western Conference All-Star team. He might have been all right with the weekend off, but had no complaints with the decision. …

With Dwight Howard back after missing three games with a sprained ankle, the Rockets had to choose between returning Clint Capela to the starting power forward spot he held before Howard’s injury or sticking with the small lineup they had used since Howard went out. …

The Rockets probably did not need to receive a message in the form of a player acquisition, but Friday’s deal to bring back Josh Smith was an indication that the slide to .500 would not change the usual emphasis on upgrades for the current season. …

Rockets guard Jason Terry went from not playing at all on Thursday to playing 16 minutes against the Spurs as Rockets interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff continued to juggle his guard rotation off the bench. …

In his best offensive stretch of the season, Rockets center Dwight Howard did not want to spend 12 minutes watching others finish the Spurs’ blowout of the Rockets on Saturday. He started the fourth quarter as he normally does, but asked to remain in the game the rest of the way, as he continued his recent offensive surge. …